AUA Lecturer Artur Avanesov Performs at UCLA

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LOS ANGELES, California — On May 26, American University of Armenia (AUA) lecturer Artur Avanesov performed at the third annual Day of Armenian Music concert organized by the Armenian Music Program of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Herb Alpert School of Music. A composer and virtuoso pianist, Avanesov performed a selection from his own compositions, including a number of world premieres.

Avanesov’s chamber and piano compositions have featured in several international music festivals and other venues in different countries. His compositions and performances as a pianist are recorded by influential labels, such as Deutsche Grammophon and Albany Records, among others. He has also authored a number of research papers, critiques, and online discussions on modern-day music trends. Avanesov is accredited for organizing seminars on Armenian music in multiple countries and presenting at conferences worldwide.

As a modern-day music performer, Avanesov has started several Armenian and international contemporary music ensembles. Furthermore, he has collaborated and performed with distinguished musicians like Pierre Boulez, Krzystof Penderecki, Rohan de Saram, Kim Kashkashian, Anja Lechner, Vladimir Chernov, Tony Arnold, Tigran Mansurian, Movses Pogossian, and many more. 

At the UCLA Day of Armenian Music concert, Avanesov played many classical pieces that showcased his exceptional piano skills while serving as a true testament to preserving and propagating Armenian music and culture.

As a highly esteemed lecturer, Avanesov’s presence at the UCLA Armenian Music Program was educational, informative, and entertaining for students, faculty, and music enthusiasts at the concert. The program offered a unique opportunity for musicians to learn from one of the most acclaimed figures in Armenian music today. His exceptional skills and knowledge set a high standard for music students in the program and exhibit the depth and breadth of the Armenian musical heritage.

Reflecting on his performance, Avanesov shared his thoughts underscoring the significance of Armenian music in his life and career. “In our days, classical music still has much to offer,” he notes, “it must, however, find a way of reconciling with the audience.”

The concert by Artur Avanesov will stay long in the annals of the UCLA Armenian Music Program as a magnificent event that displayed his brilliance as a pianist and his passion for Armenian classical music. AUA is proud to have him as a valued member of its faculty and eagerly anticipates his future contributions to the world of music.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values. 

The Armenian Music Program at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music provides an in-depth exploration of Armenia’s rich musical heritage, with a focus on its classical traditions. A hallmark of the school’s innovative leadership in music and its commitment to public outreach, through dynamic performances and academic scholarship, the program has evolved into a vibrant educational platform. Established in 2013, the Program has presented dozens of outreach performances as well as high-profile public concerts and recordings⁠.